CONFIDENCE MEN’S NEW METHODS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 137, 11 June 1937, Page 5

CONFIDENCE MEN’S NEW METHODS

Confidence tricksters are active in Sydney. Their audacity reminds the police that Australia can produce plausible rogues who sometimes attain international notoriety. Detectives are hunting a “gentleman” who has developed a “racket” in tennis racquets. He is faultlessly dressed, and his manners are perfect. In suburban sports stores he seeks to buy a racquet. He is in no hurry and while testing one after another from stocks, gains the confidence of the proprietor by gentlemanly talk and general air of Breeding. Finally he selects a good racquet and tells the shopkeeper that he is buying it for his daughter. He asks that it be sent to a nearby address on the following day. By this time the shopkeeper is thoroughly impressed, and when his customer produces a cheque bearing the ..ame of a big city firm and countersigned importantly by directors, he does not hesitate to cash it at the “gentleman’s” request. It is only for £5 odd, and the “gentleman,” having paid for the racquet, receives £3 odd change. He leaves the shop in the friendliest fashion—and vanishes. The shopkeeper later finds that the cheque is worthless. “Tut, Tut.” Another gentleman of similar habits recency entered a city firm and proceeded to order a houseful of furniture “lor his place in the country.” He said that he had ararnged for a rail van to be at Central station on the following day. His manner also was impressive and his appearance prosperous. Finally, when the long list of items had been totalled, he wrote a cheque, “inadvertently” adding £2 to the amount. “Tut, tut,” he said, when the assistant directed his attention to the ei ror. “Oh, never mind. I’m a bit short to-day. Give me the £2 change, it you will.’ Pleased with the big order, the assistant made no demur, and the confide.iu man walked out £2 tu the good. His cheque, of course, was valueless. In the case brought to police notice the c?ly firm actually took the goods up to the station, but could not find the all vanl